At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a team to support young people facing homelessness.
- Company: Join Open Door Scotland, a charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meaningful work, and the chance to shape services.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on young lives and lead positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational management and a passion for social care.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Livingston
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £40,500 - £45,000
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Occasional on-call and sleepovers - typically once a month as required for service continuity
About:
21 Health and Social Care are proud to be partnering with Open Door Scotland. We have been exclusively retained to recruit a Service Manager for this impactful youth homelessness charity supporting young people aged 16-25 who are at risk of, or currently experiencing, homelessness. Many of the young people they support are care experienced and face complex challenges, including mental health difficulties, social isolation, and barriers to education, training, and employment.
This role is central to Open Door Scotland's mission providing strong, consistent leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, person-centred support, while maintaining a proactive, risk-aware approach to safeguarding and service delivery.
The Role:
We're looking for a dynamic Service Manager ready to take full ownership of operational delivery. You'll lead teams, manage rotas, oversee compliance, drive quality improvement, and work closely with the CEO on strategic priorities. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can make decisions under pressure, establish operational oversight quickly, and drive real change.
What You'll Do:
- Lead, coach, and hold Team Leaders accountable while fostering a motivated, resilient culture
- Manage day-to-day service delivery, staffing, rotas, and operational continuity
- Use data and evidence to drive improvements and deliver actionable reports
- Ensure services meet all regulatory, contractual, and legislative requirements
- Lead safeguarding, incident response, and quality assurance processes
- Translate inspection feedback into meaningful service improvements
Who We're Looking For:
- Proven senior operational experience in regulated services
- SVQ in Social Services and Health Care; SVQ4 in Care Leadership/Management (or willing to work towards)
- Confident in taking ownership in a small organisation and shaping systems, not just maintaining them
- Experienced in managing Team Leaders, staffing, rotas, and service delivery
- Experienced in safeguarding decisions and incident management
- Full driving licence and use of own vehicle for business purposes
- Desirable HR process knowledge in small organisations (absence, capability, conduct)
- Experience in the homelessness sector
Why Join?
This is your chance to make a tangible difference for young people, lead meaningful change, and shape high-performing services. You'll have real autonomy, accountability, and the opportunity to leave your mark on a charity that changes lives.
How to Apply:
If this role sounds like the perfect fit for you, please click "Apply". Alternatively, for more information and a detailed job description, contact Danielle Frame at 21 Health and Social Care.
Interview Process:
Successful shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a teams call/face to face with 21HSC staff then an in-person interview at the organisation.
Locations
Service Manager Youth Homelessness in Livingston, Scotland employer: 21HSC LIMITED
Contact Detail:
21HSC LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager Youth Homelessness in Livingston, Scotland
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation before your interview. Research Open Door Scotland and their mission to support young people facing homelessness. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of how you've led teams and managed service delivery in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your hands-on leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around safeguarding and quality assurance. Being able to articulate your approach to these areas will show that you’re ready to take ownership of operational delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions during the interview! This is your chance to find out more about the team culture and the challenges they face. It shows you're engaged and serious about the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager Youth Homelessness in Livingston, Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Service Manager role. Highlight your experience in youth homelessness and operational management, showing us how you can lead and inspire teams.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your hands-on leadership style! Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven service improvements in your previous roles. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and qualifications. We love a well-organised application!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this impactful role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at 21HSC LIMITED
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of youth homelessness and the specific challenges faced by young people aged 16-25. Familiarise yourself with Open Door Scotland's mission and values, as well as any recent news or developments in the sector. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in challenging situations. Think about times when you’ve had to make tough decisions under pressure or foster a motivated culture. Be ready to discuss your approach to coaching and holding team leaders accountable.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves using data to drive improvements, come prepared with examples of how you've used data in previous roles to inform decision-making or improve service delivery. This could include discussing specific metrics you tracked and how they influenced your actions.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their current challenges, future goals, or how they measure success in their services. Asking thoughtful questions not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.